In a surprising turn of events, what was expected to be a weeklong trial ended abruptly when murder suspect Jason Howard suddenly accepted a deal in exchange for pleading guilty to two counts of voluntary manslaughter in connection with the 2004 deaths of his mother and stepfather, Mildred and Jewel Cleveland, in their Gum Branch home.

There are reports of an alleged bomb threat at the Wal-Mart store located off Oglethorpe Highway in Hinesville. Authorities are currently investigating the threat. The Courier will continue to report on any update as it becomes available.

Long County Chamber of Commerce President Ray Howard and Long County Development Authority Chairman Danny Norman went before the county commission Feb. 3 to ask the group for help in expanding the recreational services at Morgan Lake.